intensity

noun

in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sə-tē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
Synonyms of intensity
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling
2
: the magnitude of a quantity (such as force or energy) per unit (as of area, charge, mass, or time)
3
: saturation sense 4a

Synonyms of intensity

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Examples of intensity in a Sentence

the intensity of the sun's rays the intensity of the argument The sun shone with great intensity.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mark Blinch / Getty Images Gray said keeping the intensity high throughout the game was the key to the win. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 Villa’s recent warm-up defeat to Bayern Munich, though a 2-1 loss, will have offered a useful gauge of what facing elite opposition demands and should stand them in good stead for the level of intensity this game in Salzburg will require. — Dean Jones, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026 Few can appreciate the intensity of the longstanding Saints-Falcons rivalry better than Jones, who grew up in New Orleans and began his NFL career with the Falcons as a second-round draft pick out of LSU in 2016. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026 The situation in Yemen has its own dynamics independent of the US-Iran war, but the Houthis’ close ties with Iran and attacks on ships are part of a widening, low-intensity conflict. — Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intensity

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intensity was in 1665

Phrases Containing intensity

Rhymes for intensity

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Browse Nearby Words

intensitometer
intensity
intensity modulation
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Cite this Entry

“Intensity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensity. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intensity

noun
in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme strength, force, or feeling
2
: the degree or amount of a quality or condition
the intensity of an electric field

Medical Definition

intensity

noun
in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling
2
: the magnitude of a quantity (as force or energy) per unit (as of surface, charge, mass, or time)
3
: saturation sense 4a

More from Merriam-Webster on intensity

Nglish: Translation of intensity for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about intensity

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